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Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide

This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter.
For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. They hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own.

"Over 60 techniques that help you save time by:
- controlling time-consuming tasks
- improving your system security
- getting the most from your file system
- automating repetitive tasks
- tweaking the kernel on your linux system
- networking like a professional"

OK - so if you are pretty new to Linux or feel like there are a lot of things that you want to know but don't then you need to get this book. Basically this book is all about customization. It shows you how to set things up in just the way you want. In the process it explains config files and what to modify. It also explains really useful programs that you may not know about. I have also found that it serves as a great reference book.

You learn everything from customizing bash to archiving files to cron to cvs to kernel mods to encryption/security to vnc to apache to mysql to spamassassin to monitoring the system to backups.

Here are the sections of the book:

1 - making the desktop work for you
2 - getting the most from your file system
3 - good housekeeping with linux
4 - tweaking the kernel on your linux system
5 - securing your workspace
6 - networking like a professional
7 - monitoring your system
8 - serving up the internet and more
9 - backing up means you never have to say you're sorry
10 - programming tricks
11 - the scary (or fun!) stuff

I think this is the perfect book for the person looking to move from a beginner linux user to an intermediate user. Also - as with the other books in the dummy series this book can be usable by pretty much anyone - though it is not a good "introduction" to linux.

Would you recommend the product? no | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 5

Pros:

Good enough for beginners

Cons:

e-book version won't open in Linux

Despite the implication in the title 'Time Saving Techniques', the techniques to be found in this book are no different to those found elsewhere. That said, it is a good enough book for a newby. Just don't expect anything special. Most importantly, don't do as I did and buy it as an e-book thinking that you could open it on your Linux desktop. It comes with a security plug-in that only allows it to be opened in Windows®. I'm afraid that's just too much irony for me!